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Should I specify X-drive four-wheel drive on my new BMW 320d?

I am about to order a new BMW F30 320d auto Touring and am seriously thinking on including their new four-wheel drive system. BMW advises me it drives by the rear wheels and kicks in when the front start to slip/spin. Am I OK going with this or should I just get a set of winter/snow tyres? Further, I am wondering whether the system will cause excessive tyre wear and also knock the mpg? Your help as usual is much appreciated.

Asked on 16 March 2013 by HB, via email

Answered by Honest John
X-drive solves the worst of the RWD problem in snow. But the cars really need cold weather tyres in winter as well. I have driven the 120d X-drive and it actually handles better with less understeer than the RWD 1-Series. Very little fuel economy penalty, so well worth having.
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